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2025 ICD-10-CM code A38.1

Scarlet fever with myocarditis.

Code A38.1 should be used when both scarlet fever and myocarditis are present. Do not code streptococcal sore throat (J02.0) with scarlet fever.

Medical necessity for treatment is established by the diagnosis of scarlet fever with myocarditis, requiring intervention to address both the infection and its cardiac complication.

Clinicians should diagnose and treat scarlet fever with myocarditis, managing both the infection and the cardiac inflammation. This may involve antibiotics, monitoring heart function, and supportive care.

In simple words: Scarlet fever with myocarditis is a complication of scarlet fever where the heart muscle becomes inflamed. Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection spread through coughs and sneezes, causing symptoms like sore throat, fever, and a rash. Myocarditis can cause additional symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and an irregular heartbeat.

Scarlet fever with myocarditis (inflammation of the middle layer of the heart wall) is a complication of scarlet fever, an infectious disease caused by the group A streptococcus bacterium.Scarlet fever is typically spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Example 1: A child presents with a sore throat, fever, characteristic "sandpaper" rash, and rapid heartbeat.An EKG confirms myocarditis, leading to a diagnosis of scarlet fever with myocarditis., A teenager with a recent history of scarlet fever develops chest pain and shortness of breath.Further examination reveals myocarditis as a complication., An adult diagnosed with scarlet fever develops an irregular heartbeat.Cardiac testing reveals inflammation of the heart muscle, indicating myocarditis.

Documentation should include evidence of scarlet fever (e.g., rash, fever, sore throat) and confirmation of myocarditis through diagnostic testing such as EKG and echocardiogram.

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